Amit Shah Claims Maoism Almost Eradicated in Chhattisgarh's Bastar

On 30 March 2026, Indian Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed the Lok Sabha regarding the government's initiatives to combat left-wing extremism, particularly in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region. Shah announced significant advancements in suppressing Maoism, asserting that the ideology has been nearly eradicated in the area. He attributed this success to the combined efforts of various security forces, including the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), Chhattisgarh Police, and local tribal communities.

The discussions in Parliament were part of a broader debate titled 'Efforts to free the country from left-wing extremism'. Shah emphasised the adverse effects of Maoist violence, stating that 12 Indian states had been designated as the 'Red Corridor'—a term used to describe zones where Maoist influence is substantial and law and order have deteriorated. He recalled the grim statistics of the violence, which has claimed approximately 20,000 lives, including 5,000 security personnel.

"The credit for this significant development goes to CAPF jawans, especially CoBRA and CRPF jawans, state police, and the local tribal population. If they had not supported it, the movement towards a Naxal-free region would not have been possible," stated Shah in his speech. He also addressed the misguided narratives promoted by Maoists, who reportedly misled tribal communities by portraying their actions as a fight for rights and justice. Shah asserted that these militants do not support democratic values and that the government will not tolerate armed resistance.

Responding to Shah, opposition members expressed concern over ongoing issues relating to left-wing extremism. MP Chandrashekhar Azad highlighted the ongoing discrimination faced by Dalits and Adivasis, while other parliamentarians like Digvijaya Singh and Manoj Kumar Jha critiqued the government's approach and called for improved dialogue with stakeholders regarding legislation.

In parallel to the discussion on Maoism, the Lok Sabha passed the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aimed at streamlining processes related to insolvency for individuals and businesses. The Rajya Sabha also held discussions on the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill. Parliament is set to reconvene on Wednesday, 1 April 2026, to continue these discussions and address various legislative matters.